Strauss applauds Vettori's sporting gesture
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said he opted to give England
batsman Paul Collingwood a life "in the spirit of the game" as the Black
Caps won by four wickets with 22.5 overs to spare in a Champions Trophy
clash at the Wanderers on Tuesday.
Underdogs in Group B, the Black Caps won two round robin matches to
top the standings on net run rate and join England, who also won twice,
in the semi-finals. And while New Zealand did well to reach the
play-offs ahead of South Africa and Sri Lanka, much talk after the match
revolved around Vettori's decision to call Collingwood back after he was
run out in the 13th over.
Having left a Kyle Mills delivery, Collingwood strolled out of his
crease and New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum threw down his
stumps, with the third umpire giving him out. But after pleading with
Vettori, who later admitted "it was probably out under the laws of the
game", Collingwood, who was on 14 and went on to make 40, was allowed to
remain.
"I think it's one of those situations that we had a little bit of
time to think about it with it going up to the third umpire," Vettori
said. "I deliberated with team-mates and the umpires out there. In the
end there was no intention of making a run from Paul, he just wandered
out of his crease, and it was just a lot easier to call him back and get
on with the game." England captain Andrew Strauss, who last week called
back Angelo Mathews in another sporting gesture at the Wanderers after
the Sri Lankan had been adjudged run out, commended Vettori for the
decision.
"I've got to applaud Daniel Vettori," said Strauss. "I think it was
the right decision, but it was obviously a tough decision to make as a
captain when your future in the tournament is on the line." England
disappointed against an impressive New Zealand attack and were bowled
out for 146 after losing the toss and being sent in to bat.
Man-of-the-match Grant Elliott returning a career-best 4-31 to lead
the Black Caps charge, ably assisted by Shane Bond, who regained his
form after two poor outings to capture three wickets.
JOHANNESBURG, Wednesday (AFP)
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